Read the rules carefully. Failure to comply with the rules will result in disallowed catches and possible disqualification.
What to do now?
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Get the ConnectScale app and become familiar with the app in advance. The app can be found here for iPhone and here for Android.
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Instructional videos for the app can be found here: https://connectscale.com/pages/videos
When:
Where:
Who:
Instructions:
Step 1 - The ConnectScale APP
All anglers must use the ConnectScale Fishing App to register and log entries.
Once you have downloaded the app. Complete setting up your User Profile with First and Last names, Email and a Profile Picture that shows your face.
The night before the event starts you will receive an email with unique tournament ID code and a reminder to join the even in the ConnectScale app. After you receive this email, to join the tournament tap the Events Tab on the Bottom Menu. Select the My Events page on top of the page and select Join button for the Northeast Tennessee Open.
Step 2 - Measuring Devices
The Northeast Tennessee Open is a length based tournament. We recommend using one of the measuring devices listed at the end of the rules.
Step 3 - Go Fishing and Catch a Bass
Only “black bass” (largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass) are eligible for scoring in this tournament.
Step 4 - Measure and Log
Measure the catch with your measuring device.
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The nose of the catch must touch the bump on the measuring device. Lengths should be recorded in the nearest quarter inch rounded down.
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Using the ConnectScale app, input the following data:
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Length of the catch in the Length Field.
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Select appropriate species of catch. (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, or Spotted Bass)
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Tap the Event Code Field and make sure the Tournament Code for the Northeast Tennessee Open is selected with a Green Checkmark.
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A verification photo for each catch must be entered into the ConnectScale app at the time of the catch.
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The Length Verification photo must show the catch on the Measuring device. The fish needs to be measured from left to right with the mouth closed on the left and ending with the tail on the right. The mouth must be completely closed. The photo must show the Unique Tournament ID on a card. Tournament ID cards can be printed using the official Connect Fishing League Tournament card.
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The photo below is an example of a good verification photo.
In the ConnectScale APP, make sure the Private catch slider is turned off and not showing Green. If the catch is kept Private we will not see it in Public Feed or in the database when we are verifying results. You may keep Share Map (GPS) Location private so that no other users will not know your location but the tournament admin will still be able to verify that the catch was weighed on a body of water and for safety verification. After you have completed ALL of the steps above, tap Save in the top right-hand corner to save the catch submission and enter the catch in the competition.
Log as many catches as you like during the tournament. This is the Best 5 Tournament. Winner will be determined by the length of the 5 largest catches.
Live Leaderboard:
Keep up to date with standings of all our events by using our new Live Tournament Leaderboard at www.connectscale.app
Rules:
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Boat, Kayak, Tube and Bank/Shore Fishing Permitted
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Catches must be submitted to the tournament at time of catch.
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All catches are submitted using the ConnectScale Fishing App.
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Adding Length Measurement must be done in Inches in .25 inch increments. For instance, x.00 x.25 x.50 or x.75 where x is the number of inches.
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Users must Round Down and enter to the closest .25 or (¼) Inch mark.
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Any submission not rounded to .00 .25 .50 .75 will be disqualified.
Photo Requirements:
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Each submission must be a unique catch.
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Each submission must include Unique Tournament ID. This will be published the night before the event starts and sent to you via email.
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Each photo must show the entire fish from mouth to tail.
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The mouth, eyes, gill flap, and tail fin must not be covered or obstructed in photo.
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Tail of the fish may be pinched.
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The mouth of the fish must be closed and placed against the beginning of the board.
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The measurement must be from left to right with dorsal fins on top of photo and pelvic and anal fins downward.
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Measurement markings on board must be clearly visible.
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Photos must be taken with participants' own phone using the In app photo feature.
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Photos should be taken from directly overhead and not at an angle to ensure verification of the catch length. If the tournament director is not able to easily read the measurement, entries may be disallowed.
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Blurry photos or photos where the length marker is unclear will be excluded.
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Second generation (screen shot, or photo of photos) will be excluded.
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Catch must be in a natural state and unaltered.
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Any catch submitted that does not meet all of the criteria will be excluded from total.
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Tournament judges and the tournament director will have final decision on any violations and rulings.
Recommended Measuring Devices:
Entry Fees
The tournament's entry fee is $20 with a $5 processing fee. Entry fees and tournament fees are non-refundable if for any reason you are unable to fish.
Disputes and Complaints
Any concerns about the rules should be discussed before the start of the tournament.
The tournament director has the final decision on any complaints.
Formal Complaints must be submitted to the tournament director and provide documentation including event, title date, name of angler, catch #, description of condition being disputed, and reason for dispute and requested action.
Unless a clear violation of law or fraud, any dispute issued after 24 hours of the end of the event will be reviewed without affecting the results.
Prizes
Advertised Payout amounts may be modified based on the final number of paid participants. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted have been judged and results reviewed. Winners of Sponsored Prizes must complete Prize Claim Form that will be emailed to them.
Taxes
Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes. Participants that win a cumulative prize for the year of over $600 must complete a IRS W9 Form before any prize amount exceeding $600 will be distributed.
Waivers and Releases
By registering for an event the participant grants Connect Outdoors, Inc the right to use all photographs, likeness, stories, accounts, interviews, and information pertaining to the event for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation of additional compensation.
As a condition of participation and by virtue of registering for competitions, each participant agrees to accept the terms and conditions of Connect Outdoors, Inc Waiver and Release of Liability. This absolves Connect Outdoors, Inc, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a participant while participating in an event.
Final Details
Connect Outdoors, Inc and its staff reserves the right to disqualify or omit any catches that do not meet the rules described above. All decisions are FINAL.
All users must practice safe social distancing measures as outlined by the CDC. The tournament will be postponed if a national quarantine or shelter in place order is given.
CDC Guidelines to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
CDC guidelines regarding travel in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html
As a condition of participation in a competition, and by virtue of using the app, each competitor agrees to accept the terms and conditions of the ConnectScale terms & conditions including a waiver and release of liability.
OTHER LINKS:
Download the ConnectScale App iOS Android
ConnectScale education videos - https://connectscale.com/pages/videos
Join the Connect Fishing League - LINK
Download and Print the Connect Fishing League Tournament Card - LINK
Live Tournament Leaderboard - www.connectscale.app
Recommended measuring boards - Frabill Bump Board, Hawg Trough, Ketch, Check It Stick
CDC Guidelines to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
CDC guidelines regarding travel in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html